The Pittsburgh Steelers have one of the older teams in the NFL, at least when it comes to the leaders on the roster. The defense is stocked with aging defensive stars at nearly every level as that side of the ball features players like Cam Heyward, TJ Watt, Darius Slay, and Jalen Ramsey. On offense, the leader is clear, and it is 41-year old quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Everyone on the team respects Rodgers and what he has done throughout his career, and the Steelers were probably the best landing spot for the four-time veteran due to the age of the overall roster.
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Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers looks at his play sheet during training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Rodgers would be phased out of most other NFL locker rooms. Not every team has players that are on the other side of 35, but Pittsburgh does with Heyward and Slay is also 34. Other players are always taking jabs at the older players about their age, and now Heyward has someone to do that with as well, due to his quarterback being 41-years old. The veteran defender spoke to the media on Thursday, and he was asked about what Rodgers brings to the team due to his experience and leadership.
"He's old," Heyward jokingly said. "You know, he's always been about the team. Whatever is misconstrued outside of that. It's been fun to really just get to know him. He's been bought in since he's gotten here. We joke off the field, but we do challenge each other and try to make sure we have the right pulse of the team."
Heyward had to throw in a jab about Rodgers' age, but then he quickly commended the quarterback for how bought in he has been. A lot was said about Rodgers over the last couple of seasons during his time with the New York Jets, but it is clear he is not the player that the media portrayed him to be. It was said he was a bad teammate and a poor leader, which is clearly not the case in Pittsburgh.
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Bill Cowher, Ben Roethlisberger, Aaron Rodgers, and Mike Tomlin gather at Steelers practice during the 2025 season.
Rodgers has been better than most have expected with the Steelers. His play was a bit shaky with the Jets, but that was understandable as he was coming off of a serious Achilles injury. As more time gets between the present and the injury, his play has improved. He looked efficient and capable near the end of the 2024 season, and New York still decided to release him regardless. He has been one of the better quarterbacks in the AFC in 2025, even if he isn't the same player he used to be.
There was a ton of turmoil surrounding Rodgers in Pittsburgh throughout the 2025 offseason. It was a long and drawn out process to get him to sign with the Steelers, but it was clear the quarterback wanted to take his time and he let the decision-makers in Pittsburgh know that. He was still contemplating retiring and maybe even some other opportunities, but he wound up choosing Pittsburgh. This made some doubt whether or not he wanted to be with the team, but it has been made clear that he loves it being with the Steelers under Head Coach Mike Tomlin.
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Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin smiles while walking off the field with quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Steelers' Aaron Rodgers Has Brought The Offense To New Heights
Rodgers has led the offense to be the best version of itself that fans have seen in years. The group is efficient, and there haven't been too many times during the 2025 season where the group has been unable to move the ball. The unit continues to find ways to put points on the board, which is a key when it comes to winning games. If Pittsburgh's defense can play well consistently, the Steelers should have a decent chance to make some noise once the postseason begins.
What do you think about Heyward's comments regarding Rodgers' leadership? Let us know in the comments below!
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